The Moxi robot is an automated hospital helper that takes care of more menial jobs so nurses and doctors can focus on the big ones.
It runs supplies, carries lab samples, restocks rooms, and makes sure healthcare workers don’t have to run around as much — or at least, that’s the idea.
Read on to learn more about:
- Where Moxie comes from
- How it helps out in hospitals
- Why hospitals like it and some of the challenges it brings
- An alternative for businesses looking to try automation
First, let’s take a look at the basics.
Where does Moxi come from?
Moxi was made by a company called Diligent Robotics. They wanted to make robots that help out in hospitals and make jobs easier for nurses and other staff.
They’re not trying to replace people outright, ideally — they’re trying to give them more time to do more mission-critical, high-level jobs.
Let’s get the TL;DR:
- Why they made it: Nurses spend a lot of time running errands. Moxi handles those jobs, so they don’t have to.
- What they want: To make hospitals more efficient and less stressful for everyone working there.
How does the Moxi robot work?
Moxi isn’t flashy, but it knows what it’s doing. It rolls around the hospital like it belongs there and takes care of jobs without getting in the way — at least, most of the time.
Here’s how it works:
- It moves smartly: Moxi has wheels that let it roll through hallways, avoid people, and adjust its path when something’s in the way — all thanks to its advanced machine vision and Hokuyo collision sensors.
- It grabs and carries stuff: With an arm that can pick things up and a gripper to hold onto them, Moxi can carry supplies and equipment where they’re needed. It has a payload capacity of 15 kg, but we don’t expect it to handle heavy industrial work.
- It listens to people: Thanks to its AI capabilities, no complicated commands are necessary to get Moxi going. A nurse can tap a few buttons on its screen, and it learns as it goes along. It also has a cute little face to communicate basic social cues (and let hospital staff know it’s there).
What jobs does Moxi handle?
Moxi isn’t there to do the hard stuff, but it’s great at handling the everyday jobs that keep hospitals running.
Some of these jobs are:
- Bringing supplies: Moxi carries medical supplies, PPE, and medications to wherever they’re needed.
- Transporting lab samples: Nurses don’t need to waste time walking samples to the lab — Moxi does it for them.
- Restocking rooms: From gloves to gauze, Moxi keeps patient rooms and nursing stations fully stocked.
- Fetching equipment: Need an IV pole or a cart? Moxi grabs it and brings it to you, no questions asked. Or maybe it will ask if you want anything else.
Why do hospitals like Moxi?
Hospitals are busy places, and Moxi helps take some of the chaos out of the day.
Here’s why it alleviates some of the workload for medical staff:
- Frees up nurses: Moxi handles errands so nurses can get a little more one-on-one with patients.
- Keeps things moving: With a robot for hospital service, supplies and samples get where they need to go faster.
- Eases burnout: Taking away repetitive jobs makes life a little easier for healthcare workers.
- Always working: Moxi doesn’t get tired or need a break, so it’s on the clock 24/7 — at least until it needs a recharge.
What’s tricky about using Moxi?
Moxi isn’t perfect. There are a few things hospitals need to think about before bringing it in.
Take a look at these potential drawbacks:
- Costs a lot at first: A Moxi robot hospital helper isn’t cheap, though it can save money in the long run — budget over $20,000 a year for just one, including purchase, maintenance, and the works.
- Takes training: Workers need to learn how to use Moxi, which takes time.
- Needs to fit in: Hospitals have different ways of doing things, so Moxi needs to adjust to each one.
- Maintenance is key: Like any machine, Moxi needs updates and repairs to keep running smoothly.
Summing up
The Moxi robot is a good example of healthcare robotics, created to make life easier for hospital staff by tackling those everyday tasks that drain time and energy.
While it’s not cheap and takes some effort to set up, the benefits make it a worthwhile investment if you’re looking to make life easier for your nursing staff.
But, for industrial tasks? You may need something a bit more sturdy and intelligent.
Next steps with a more powerful yet affordable robot
Are you looking for a robot that can handle other kinds of jobs? Check out RO1 from Standard Bots — an adaptable six-axis cobot arm perfect for industries like manufacturing and warehousing.
Here are the benefits of RO1:
- Works for all kinds of jobs: RO1 handles everything from material handling to equipment transport, making it perfect for industries outside of healthcare.
- Cost-effective automation: Starting at $5/hour, RO1 makes automation accessible without breaking the bank, offering advanced performance at a fraction of the cost of competitors. Want to buy? It’s worth half the price of competing models.
- User-friendly setup: With its no-code programming, RO1 is easy to set up and reprogram for new jobs, even if you don’t have technical experience.
- Customizable tools: RO1’s modular end-of-arm tooling adapts to your specific needs, so it can tackle multiple jobs without skipping a beat.
Ready to see what RO1 can do? Schedule a risk-free, 30-day onsite trial and experience how RO1 can improve your operations.
